This blended learning module is intended for students with IELTS entry level 5.0-5.5, depending on the requirement specified in their conditional offer letter. It is aimed at further developing the critical thinking and study skills needed for study at a UK university, including time management, groups working skills and use of the VLE. The module consists of 5 hours class tuition per week, and is built around a range of off-line and on-line tasks and intercultural group activities. Compared to Academic Orientation 1 & 2, a greater emphasis is placed on project and group work, with students choosing appropriate approaches to meet own responsibilities to complete projects focussing on cross-cultural adjustment in small, inter-disciplinary teams. Students will be required to work both individually and collaboratively. Materials and tasks will be graded to the different needs of the group as appropriate for mixed-ability groups.
Students will also be expected to reflect on, review and extend their learning by completing online and other tasks, and self-assess their progress on a weekly basis.
Compared to Academic Orientation 2, a greater emphasis will be placed on autonomous learning and applying appropriate learning strategies.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Plan and complete set individual and group tasks independently
Analyse individual learning needs and select appropriate learning strategies
Give and respond effectively to (peer-) feedback on individual and group tasks
Demonstrate the ability to self-assess and provide peer feedback
Formulate own opinion based on limited range of evidence collected.
Use the VLE effectively and flexibly for study.
Demonstrate the skills to work productively in multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary teams
Assessment
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Ongoing assessment in form of homework tasks
Essay Cross-Cultural Adjustment
Class Debate Cross-cultural Adjustment